In-Depth Review of the Alpina Gstaad in Switzerland - AFAR
"Opened in 2012 after a 15-year build to meet strict local codes, this six-story Swiss alpine-chic hotel sits on a five-acre hill a short walk from Gstaad’s center and is noted as the first luxury property to arrive there in a century. Its theatrical subterranean tunnel entry and a double-height lobby clad in reclaimed wood from Switzerland, France, and Austria set a modern-meets-traditional tone that continues inside the 56 timber-walled rooms and suites (designed with Hirsch Bedner Associates and regional craftsmen), which pair carved wooden ceilings and embroidered-leather-cowbell lighting with marble bathrooms, large soaking tubs, gas fireplaces and residential-feeling Grand Luxe accommodations; thoughtful touches include warm wool slippers guests are invited to take home and the absence of single-use plastics. Guests are drawn by an enormous, wellness-focused Six Senses spa of more than 20,000 sq ft — offering Tibetan healing programs, multi-day yoga/sleep retreats, varied massage styles and an outdoor heated pool that steams in winter — plus a private cinema (which runs a climate-change film series) and a lively après scene. Dining is a major draw: a contemporary Japanese restaurant from chef Tsutomu Kugota serving sushi, sashimi and showstopping items like Kagero wagyu, a moody Japanese whisky bar with rare bottles, a one-Michelin-starred tasting restaurant led by executive chef Martin Göschel (with dishes such as saddle of lamb and poached oysters and a dedicated vegetarian menu), and a cozy Swiss Stübli for raclette and fondue sourced from regional artisanal farms; there’s also a Havana-inspired cigar lounge with a walk-in humidor. Practical perks include Tesla transfers to nearby slopes (Eggli, Wasserngrat, Wispile), on-site rental gear and quick, efficient service; family-friendly amenities encompass a kids club, babysitting and weekly crafts programs. The hotel operates seasonally (mid-December to mid-March and a summer season beginning in June, extended to mid-October in 2023) and has received EarthCheck recognition for sustainability; three guest rooms are equipped for wheelchair accessibility." - Jennifer Flowers
